the RISE project

The Rise Project is a health and wellbeing programme, designed to support women to lead happier, healthier lives.

Activities take place every Friday in 2019 at The Bridge (excl. 19 April and 27 December).

health and wellbeing

Evidence suggests that there are five steps to take to improve your mental wellbeing and The RISE Project is based on these:

be active – take part in free fitness classes to help you find an activity you enjoy. You will also be given a 3-month gym membership free of charge.

connect with people around you – At RISE, you’ll meet an amazing, inspiring group of women who support and learn from each other. You will have plenty of opportinities to engage with your peers – in classes, eating a healthy lunch (free of charge) or just over a cup of tea.

keep learning – evidence shows that continuing to learn throughout life can improve and maintain mental wellbeing and improve self-confidence and self-esteem. We offer plenty of opportunities to engage your brain and there is plenty to learn from each other!

be mindful – being more aware of the present moment – thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you can change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges. Art Therapy sessions give you the chance to engage in some creative, reflective time.

give – It can be something small like a smile, hello or phone call or something bigger like giving up some time to volunteer. Women who attend RISE have a lot to give – they support each other and some of them have given up their time to voluneer and support others to feel better. It is a win-win situation.

Register your interest to join us via the form at the bottom of the page and we'll be in touch.

Note: Due to the high demand, we are unable to accept any new people at present but fill in the form below and we'll let you know when places become available. To be accepted onto the programme, you will need to agree to take part in more than component.

Art Therapy

The art therapy has been very good for giving me something special to do during the week, giving me motivation to wake up on Friday mornings and have therapeutic lessons which help with my mood, fitness and mixing with others. I look forward to this class every week

— RISE PARTICIPANT 2018

Art therapy allows me to transport to my inner self for a few minutes of calm in a city of madness.

— RISE PARTICIPANT 2018

art therapy

It is well accepted that the arts help balance our emotions and can produce feelings of wellbeing. There is no expectation to produce wonderful art in this group, but rather to take part in ‘the doing’.

We work using the art materials and sometimes use music too. As this is a therapeutic wellbeing approach there is no teaching but rather an understanding that all is accepted and valued. Each member of the group is free to explore using different materials as they like. In this group there is no ‘good’ or ‘bad’. It is about the process rather than the end product. There will be time towards the end to share thoughts about art work etc but there is no pressure to join in this.

The group aims to encourage a sense of togetherness, offering a safe supportive place where feelings such as happiness, inadequacy, exhaustion, despair, celebration can be explored in a safe environment. etc. Sometimes, if wanted, experiences of childhood are shared in the group.
The essence of the group is wellbeing of mind, body and soul. Each group member is important - ‘the group is yours, you are the group, we are all the group’. There is no analysis or delving just respect and acceptance.

Here are some comments from women in a previous group:

‘When I first found the art therapy group I was a bit confused as I was so used to helping and fixing other people that I forgot I was broken/exhausted myself. I found myself being able to talk freely among other mums anonymously, and share things that I’d have otherwise buried in the abyss.

‘In the group we have learnt to let out our feelings in constructive ways actually giving you freedom to play with ink, paint, clay. Reminding us that we are allowed to just Be. It is enlightening and opening up doors I’d closed years ago’.

fitness classes

Regular physical activity is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety across all age groups. Exercise is also seen as essential for slowing age-related cognitive decline and for promoting wellbeing (Mind, 2013).

A variety of fitness classes run at RISE each week, such as pilates, belly-dancing, yoga, zumba and boxing. Both "intense" and slower-paced activities are benefitial, so RISE classes look to cater to a range of interests and activities.

And there is also be plenty of opportunities to exercise in our wonderful women-only gym.

lunch

Sit down and enjoy a healthy and nutritious lunch with good company.

The lunch aspect of the day is a great opportunity for everyone from all activities to come together and share a meal. Whether you're trying a type of food that you have never tried before, making a connection with a new friend, or just enjoying the chatty, vibrant atmostphere, there is something for everyone.

All dietary requirements will be catered for. Just let us know and we will make sure that there is something there for you.

creative writing

Just as we each learn in different ways, there are many forms of expression. For some, writing is a very private medium, and for others it is empowering to share their words with others. Creative writing is a very individual process and can help you to explore your experiences and emotions as much you like. This workshop is open to anyone interested in having the opportunity to create something unique and personal.

presentations

Presentations and conversations about different healthy living topics.

There are so many different things that contribute towards a 'healthier you'. If you're interested in learning more about healthy eating, how food affects your mood, how to maintain your health as you get older, and much more, these presentations could be for you.